6 Undervalued Stocks With Growing Earnings and Dividends

 

These stocks are very attractive undervalued dividend stocks with low P/E's, good earnings and low payout ratios

 

 

Each entry in this list of undervalued stocks has good dividend growth prospects and appears to be undervalued. That’s an excellent combination for an investor. After all, typically a company will not keep raising its dividends unless the underlying earnings and cash flow are growing as well. That bodes well for these undervalued dividend stocks.

 

On the other hand, high-growth companies typically do not pay out dividends. So, in a way, this is the best of both worlds. These companies have good growth, but aren’t so focused on it that they can’t afford to return capital to their shareholders. And they are still growing their earnings — otherwise, they wouldn’t keep raising their dividends.

 

For example, many companies that are expanding their dividends generate enough free cash flow to also buy back stock and make acquisitions. Both of these can lead to higher earnings per share and also higher dividends per share.

 

 

Some of these stocks are fairly recession-resistant as well.

 

Let’s dive in and look at these undervalued dividend stocks:

 

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3 Business Development Companies With High Dividend Yields

 

Interest rates on treasuries have been rising in recent months, but they are still too low for many income investors. They also do not offer reliable inflation protection, and payouts from treasuries do not rise over time. Equities are thus still the best choice for many income investors, especially for those looking for somewhat higher yields.

 

One particular group of equities that can be highly interesting for income investors are the business development companies or BDCs. Business development companies are unregistered, closed-end investment companies that primarily invest in small and medium-sized businesses. By legislation, these BDCs have to invest at least 70% of their assets in US companies with a market value of below $250 million that are not publicly traded.

 

BDCs thus serve an important function, as they provide capital for small or mid-sized businesses that oftentimes cannot access capital easily. In turn, this allows BDCs to demand interest rates from the businesses it provides capital to that are higher than what the typical bank receives when it loans out money. The yields on investments are thus generally favorably for BDCs, although one can argue that their loans do, on average, come with higher risks than the typical loans made by banks.

 

BDCs are not taxed on the corporate level as long as they distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to investors. This is comparable to what taxation looks like for REITs, as those also can avoid taxes when making high-enough distributions to their owners.

 

 

The special taxation laws explain why BDCs do oftentimes offer quite high dividend yields. Them returning most of their profits to shareholders via dividends leads to attractive dividend yields for investors, while it allows BDCs to avoid corporate taxes at the same time. In this report, we will take a look at three high-yield BDCs that look attractive at current prices.

 

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Dividend Increases Week 19

 

In this article, I will go through the weekly dividend increases and cuts in popular and well-known stocks. (Member of The Dividend Champions or Canadian All-Star list)

 

Recently, 11 companies announced dividend increases. Note that no dividend cuts or suspensions were announced during this period.

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of May 9 2022

 

Upgrades:

 

Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE:BEP) (TSE:BEP) was upgraded by investment analysts at TD Securities from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a note issued to investors on Monday, The Fly reports.

A number of other brokerages have also recently issued reports on BEP. National Bankshares increased their target price on Brookfield Renewable Partners from $38.00 to $41.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Tuesday, April 19th. National Bank Financial upgraded Brookfield Renewable Partners from a “sector perform” rating to an “outperform” rating and set a $38.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, January 18th. Zacks Investment Research lowered Brookfield Renewable Partners from a “hold” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a research report on Monday, April 18th. CIBC upgraded Brookfield Renewable Partners from a “neutral” rating to a “sector outperform” rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $42.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 11th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on Brookfield Renewable Partners from $46.00 to $39.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 20th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Brookfield Renewable Partners has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $42.38. Read more …

 

Fortis (TSE:FTS) was upgraded by research analysts at Veritas Investment Research to a “buy” rating in a research note issued on Monday, Stock Target Advisor reports.

FTS has been the topic of a number of other reports. National Bankshares boosted their target price on shares of Fortis from C$59.00 to C$60.00 and gave the stock a “sector perform” rating in a report on Thursday. Raymond James set a C$58.00 price objective on shares of Fortis and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a research report on Thursday. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a “hold” rating and set a C$60.00 price objective (up from C$57.00) on shares of Fortis in a research report on Tuesday, March 15th. Credit Suisse Group lifted their price objective on shares of Fortis to C$66.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 13th. Finally, CIBC boosted their target price on shares of Fortis from C$60.00 to C$63.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of C$61.81. Read more …

 

Genuine Parts (NYSE:GPC) was upgraded by equities researchers at Bank of America from an "underperform" rating to a "neutral" rating in a report released on Tuesday, The Fly reports. The firm currently has a $133.00 target price on the specialty retailer's stock. Bank of America's price target indicates a potential upside of 0.80% from the stock's current price. The analysts noted that the move was a valuation call.

GPC has been the subject of a number of other reports. Wedbush restated a "neutral" rating on shares of Genuine Parts in a research report on Friday, February 18th. Truist Financial started coverage on Genuine Parts in a research report on Thursday, January 13th. They set a "hold" rating and a $142.00 price objective for the company. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Genuine Parts in a research report on Thursday, March 31st. They set a "strong-buy" rating for the company. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Genuine Parts presently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $139.25. Read more …

 

 

Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Albemarle (NYSE:ALB) from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report issued on Wednesday, The Fly reports. The brokerage currently has $285.00 target price on the specialty chemicals company’s stock, up from their previous target price of $215.00.

Several other brokerages also recently weighed in on ALB. Mizuho upped their target price on Albemarle from $243.00 to $293.00 in a research report on Friday, May 6th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on Albemarle from $250.00 to $290.00 in a research note on Friday, May 6th. Bank of America cut their price objective on Albemarle from $230.00 to $216.00 in a research note on Friday, February 18th. TheStreet upgraded Albemarle from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 4th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Albemarle from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, May 6th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $272.89. Read more …

 

Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Raymond James from a "market perform" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research note issued on Thursday, Briefing.com reports. The firm currently has a $140.00 target price on the real estate investment trust's stock. Raymond James' target price points to a potential upside of 28.65% from the company's previous close.

Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their target price on Federal Realty Investment Trust from $150.00 to $143.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, March 31st. Mizuho dropped their target price on Federal Realty Investment Trust from $142.00 to $129.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, February 15th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on Federal Realty Investment Trust from $130.00 to $125.00 and set an "equal weight" rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 7th. Capital One Financial raised Federal Realty Investment Trust from an "equal weight" rating to an "overweight" rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $130.00 to $145.00 in a research note on Wednesday, February 9th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Federal Realty Investment Trust in a research note on Thursday, March 31st. They set a "hold" rating on the stock. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus target price of $134.42. Read more …

 

TC Energy (NYSE:TRP) (TSE:TRP) was upgraded by CIBC from a "neutral" rating to a "sector outperform" rating in a research report issued on Thursday, The Fly reports.

A number of other research firms also recently weighed in on TRP. National Bank Financial raised their price target on TC Energy from C$65.00 to C$66.00 in a research report on Thursday, February 17th. US Capital Advisors cut TC Energy from an "overweight" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Friday, March 11th. Zacks Investment Research cut TC Energy from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating and set a $58.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Thursday, April 28th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of TC Energy from $63.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock an "equal weight" rating in a report on Tuesday, February 22nd. Finally, Scotiabank boosted their target price on shares of TC Energy from C$72.00 to C$78.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 13th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $67.17. Read more …

 

 

WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC) was upgraded by analysts at Bank of America from a "neutral" rating to a "buy" rating in a report released on Friday, The Fly reports.

WEC has been the topic of a number of other research reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of WEC Energy Group in a research note on Thursday, March 31st. They set a "hold" rating on the stock. Evercore ISI restated a "hold" rating and set a $97.00 price target on shares of WEC Energy Group in a research note on Friday, February 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of WEC Energy Group from a "sell" rating to a "neutral" rating and set a $99.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 13th. Credit Suisse Group initiated coverage on shares of WEC Energy Group in a research note on Monday, April 25th. They set a "neutral" rating and a $108.00 price target on the stock. Finally, BMO Capital Markets restated a "hold" rating and set a $98.00 price target on shares of WEC Energy Group in a research note on Friday, February 4th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, WEC Energy Group has an average rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $101.00. Read more …

 

Waste Management (NYSE:WM) was upgraded by Bank of America from an "underperform" rating to a "neutral" rating in a note issued to investors on Friday, The Fly reports.

Several other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on the company. BMO Capital Markets downgraded Waste Management from an "outperform" rating to a "market perform" rating and set a $174.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Tuesday, April 12th. Raymond James increased their price objective on Waste Management from $167.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a research note on Friday, April 22nd. cut Waste Management to a "hold" rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on Waste Management in a research note on Tuesday, March 1st. They issued a "neutral" rating and a $153.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on Waste Management from $157.00 to $167.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 28th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat, Waste Management presently has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus target price of $161.00. Read more …

 

 

Downgrades:

 

Domino's Pizza (NYSE:DPZ) was downgraded by analysts at Argus from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note issued on Monday, The Fly reports.

A number of other equities research analysts have also issued reports on DPZ. Guggenheim cut their price target on shares of Domino's Pizza from $445.00 to $370.00 in a report on Friday. BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on shares of Domino's Pizza from $450.00 to $400.00 in a report on Friday, April 29th. Oppenheimer cut their price target on shares of Domino's Pizza from $510.00 to $435.00 in a report on Friday, April 29th. Cowen cut their price target on shares of Domino's Pizza from $390.00 to $365.00 in a report on Friday, April 29th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group cut their target price on shares of Domino's Pizza from $475.00 to $400.00 in a research note on Friday, April 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twenty-three have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $440.04. Read more …

 

 

Novartis (NYSE:NVS) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Wolfe Research from an "outperform" rating to a "market perform" rating in a research report issued on Monday, MarketBeat reports.

Several other research firms have also recently weighed in on NVS. Barclays upped their target price on Novartis from CHF 80 to CHF 85 in a research note on Thursday, April 14th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Novartis in a research report on Thursday, March 31st. They set a "strong-buy" rating for the company. UBS Group lifted their target price on Novartis from CHF 85 to CHF 88 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 27th. Societe Generale dropped their target price on shares of Novartis from CHF 107 to CHF 105 in a report on Thursday, February 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Novartis from CHF 90 to CHF 94 in a report on Friday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus target price of $90.50. Read more …

 

Edison International (NYSE:EIX) was downgraded by investment analysts at Mizuho from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating in a report issued on Tuesday, Briefing.com reports. They currently have a $72.00 price objective on the utilities provider’s stock, down from their previous price objective of $82.00. Mizuho’s price target suggests a potential upside of 2.77% from the company’s current price.

EIX has been the topic of several other research reports. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on Edison International from $66.00 to $65.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 26th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on Edison International from $70.00 to $79.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 30th. Citigroup boosted their price target on Edison International from $67.00 to $79.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 4th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Edison International in a research report on Thursday, March 31st. They issued a “hold” rating on the stock. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on Edison International from $73.00 to $82.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Thursday, April 14th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Edison International presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $71.75. Read more …

 

Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS) was downgraded by research analysts at Barclays from an "equal weight" rating to an "underweight" rating in a research report issued on Tuesday, Briefing.com reports. They presently have a $310.00 target price on the real estate investment trust's stock, down from their prior target price of $367.00. Barclays's price target would indicate a potential upside of 4.74% from the stock's previous close.

A number of other brokerages also recently weighed in on ESS. Truist Financial lowered their target price on Essex Property Trust from $378.00 to $370.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a report on Monday, March 21st. Mizuho lowered their target price on Essex Property Trust from $382.00 to $342.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, February 16th. KeyCorp lifted their target price on Essex Property Trust from $363.00 to $371.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a report on Thursday, January 13th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on Essex Property Trust from $335.00 to $365.00 and gave the company an "equal weight" rating in a report on Friday, April 8th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Essex Property Trust in a report on Thursday, March 31st. They set a "hold" rating for the company. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Essex Property Trust presently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $358.13. Read more …

 

 

Home Depot (NYSE:HD) was downgraded by analysts at OTR Global to a “positive” rating in a report issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

HD has been the topic of several other reports. UBS Group dropped their price objective on Home Depot from $470.00 to $430.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, February 23rd. Telsey Advisory Group dropped their price objective on Home Depot from $425.00 to $375.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, February 23rd. Citigroup dropped their price objective on Home Depot from $445.00 to $377.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, February 23rd. Robert W. Baird dropped their price objective on Home Depot from $425.00 to $380.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 22nd. Finally, Guggenheim dropped their price objective on Home Depot from $425.00 to $400.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, February 23rd. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Home Depot has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $387.43. Read more …

 

Lowe’s Companies (NYSE:LOW) was downgraded by stock analysts at OTR Global to a “positive” rating in a report released on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the company. Telsey Advisory Group lifted their target price on Lowe’s Companies from $275.00 to $285.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Thursday, February 24th. Loop Capital cut their price target on Lowe’s Companies from $240.00 to $190.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 12th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Lowe’s Companies from $265.00 to $280.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Tuesday, January 18th. StockNews.com upgraded Lowe’s Companies from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, May 5th. Finally, Gordon Haskett downgraded Lowe’s Companies from a “buy” rating to an “accumulate” rating in a report on Friday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and nineteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $260.80. Read more …

 

Altria Group (NYSE:MO) was downgraded by Sanford C. Bernstein from an "outperform" rating to a "market perform" rating in a report issued on Tuesday, Briefing.com reports. They currently have a $53.00 target price on the stock, down from their prior target price of $58.00. Sanford C. Bernstein's price objective points to a potential downside of 4.09% from the stock's previous close.

Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Altria Group from $47.00 to $51.00 and gave the company an "equal weight" rating in a report on Wednesday, January 26th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Altria Group from a "neutral" rating to a "buy" rating and increased their price target for the company from $48.00 to $57.00 in a report on Tuesday, March 22nd. StockNews.com started coverage on Altria Group in a report on Thursday, March 31st. They issued a "buy" rating for the company. Cowen increased their price target on Altria Group from $51.00 to $53.00 in a report on Thursday, April 7th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada downgraded Altria Group from an "outperform" rating to a "sector perform" rating and set a $53.00 price target for the company. in a report on Monday, March 28th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $53.75. Read more …

 

 

TELUS (TSE:T) (NYSE:TU) was downgraded by Barclays to a “hold” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, TipRanks reports. They currently have a C$26.00 target price on the stock. Barclays‘s price objective indicates a potential downside of 16.72% from the company’s current price.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. TD Securities downgraded shares of TELUS from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and set a C$34.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Monday, March 7th. Canaccord Genuity Group increased their price objective on shares of TELUS from C$33.00 to C$34.00 in a research report on Friday, February 11th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of TELUS from C$32.00 to C$34.00 in a research report on Friday, February 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of TELUS from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and increased their price objective for the stock from C$30.00 to C$36.00 in a research report on Monday, February 14th. Finally, CIBC downgraded shares of TELUS from an “outperform” rating to a “hold” rating and raised their target price for the company from C$33.50 to C$34.00 in a research report on Friday, April 22nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, TELUS currently has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of C$33.42. Read more …

 

Air Products and Chemicals (NYSE:APD) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from an "overweight" rating to an "equal weight" rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, The Fly reports.

A number of other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Air Products and Chemicals in a research note on Thursday, March 31st. They set a "hold" rating on the stock. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $300.00 to $275.00 in a research note on Monday. Bank of America cut shares of Air Products and Chemicals from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating and cut their price objective for the company from $337.00 to $285.00 in a research note on Monday, February 7th. Cowen cut their price objective on shares of Air Products and Chemicals from $365.00 to $345.00 in a research note on Monday, February 7th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Air Products and Chemicals from a "neutral" rating to an "overweight" rating and set a $275.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Monday, March 21st. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $308.20. Read more …

 

Corning (NYSE:GLW) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Barclays from an "overweight" rating to an "equal weight" rating in a report released on Wednesday, Briefing.com reports. They presently have a $38.00 price objective on the electronics maker's stock, down from their prior price objective of $53.00. Barclays's price target suggests a potential upside of 5.56% from the company's previous close.

Several other equities analysts have also commented on GLW. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a "buy" rating and issued a $50.00 price objective on shares of Corning in a report on Friday, March 11th. Susquehanna Bancshares upgraded shares of Corning from a "neutral" rating to a "positive" rating and increased their target price for the stock from $38.00 to $50.00 in a report on Friday, January 28th. Bank of America reduced their target price on shares of Corning from $48.00 to $45.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 25th. Zacks Investment Research upgraded shares of Corning from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating and set a $45.00 target price on the stock in a report on Monday, January 31st. Finally, Susquehanna upgraded shares of Corning from a "neutral" rating to a "positive" rating and increased their target price for the stock from $38.00 to $50.00 in a report on Friday, January 28th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Corning has a consensus rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $46.00. Read more …

 

 

American Express (NYSE:AXP) was downgraded by stock analysts at Wolfe Research from an "outperform" rating to a "peer perform" rating in a research report issued on Thursday, The Fly reports. They currently have a $146.00 price objective on the payment services company's stock. Wolfe Research's target price points to a potential downside of 8.40% from the company's previous close.

AXP has been the topic of several other reports. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of American Express from $187.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 26th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on American Express from $152.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a "market perform" rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 26th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on American Express from $200.00 to $215.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 26th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price target on American Express from $200.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a report on Wednesday, January 26th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on American Express in a report on Thursday, March 31st. They set a "hold" rating for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $192.26. Read more …

 

Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC) (TSE:MFC) was downgraded by investment analysts at Canaccord Genuity Group from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday, Briefing.com reports.

A number of other research firms have also recently commented on MFC. TD Securities lowered their price target on Manulife Financial from C$37.00 to C$34.00 in a report on Thursday. Scotiabank lowered their price target on Manulife Financial from C$30.00 to C$28.00 in a report on Monday, May 2nd. BMO Capital Markets cut Manulife Financial from an "outperform" rating to a "market perform" rating in a report on Thursday. National Bank Financial reduced their price objective on Manulife Financial from C$28.00 to C$26.00 in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group downgraded Manulife Financial from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Friday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Manulife Financial currently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $29.90. Read more …

 

United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS) was downgraded by stock analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from an "overweight" rating to a "neutral" rating in a research report issued on Friday, The Fly reports. They currently have a $202.00 price objective on the transportation company's stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s target price indicates a potential upside of 13.07% from the stock's current price.

Several other equities research analysts have also weighed in on the company. Susquehanna dropped their price target on United Parcel Service from $218.00 to $195.00 and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 27th. Wolfe Research restated a "peer perform" rating on shares of United Parcel Service in a research report on Tuesday, April 5th. BNP Paribas upgraded United Parcel Service from an "underperform" rating to a "neutral" rating and set a $191.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price objective on United Parcel Service from $221.00 to $216.00 and set a "hold" rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, February 2nd. Finally, Loop Capital upgraded United Parcel Service from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $232.00 to $189.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 14th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fifteen have assigned a hold rating, twelve have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, United Parcel Service has an average rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $225.04. Read more …

 

7 Dividend Stocks to Buy for May With Yields Over 6%

 

Passively grow your portfolio with these ideas

 

 

Hardly a popular topic due to its wide-ranging implications, rising fears of a recession are becoming much more pronounced. Primarily, the benchmark equity indices are struggling for momentum, which is not a great sign amid myriad political and economic pressure points. Further, governmental action to address the concerns of Main Street may exacerbate the crisis. About the only good news is that high-yield dividend stocks to buy may offer investors a reprieve.

 

For one thing, the growth narrative that has guided the arguably unloved bull market may have finally hit its peak. Even the post-coronavirus pandemic storyline, which basically posited that unprecedented fiscal and monetary support would drive up productivity, is becoming strained. As evidence of this dynamic, former heavy hitters like Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) have been forced to lay off workers. Under such a backdrop, dividend stocks increasingly make more sense.

 

Mainly, companies that offer passive income are focused (naturally) on profitability and sustainability, all other things being equal. While such a framework is a far departure from the sexy super-growth stories that analysts in less-complicated market cycles have delivered to their clients, right now, dividend stocks theoretically present the most rational investment. With the purchasing power of the dollar in rapid decline, investors are focused on pain mitigation.

 

 

That’s not to say that passive income is a guaranteed bet — far from it. However, with the turmoil in the global economy, investors ought to consider pivoting some portion of their portfolios to high-yield dividend stocks to buy.

 

Continue reading …

 

12 of Wall Street's Newest Dividend Stocks

 

Data shows dividend growers and initiators tend to outperform the broader market. Here are 12 new dividend stocks to consider.

 

 

Skyrocketing inflation has spurred demand for investments that can keep pace with rising prices. This includes renewed interest in income-paying investments, including both old and new dividend stocks.

 

"If inflation is here to stay, I believe dividend growth stocks are likely to outperform," says Denise Chisholm, director of quantitative market strategy for Fidelity. Her research, which focuses on stock performance during periods of high inflation, found that stocks with rising dividends outperform the broader market.  

 

And a firm's ability to pay a dividend is a sign of quality. Companies that initiate new dividends join an elite group whose members stand out for their generous cash flows, solid balance sheets and commitment to creating shareholder value.

 

"Initiating a new dividend is often a sign that a company has matured into a stable and more durable business and one that's a lot less likely to disappoint," says John Del Vecchio, forensic accountant and co-manager of the AdvisorShares Ranger Equity Bear ETF (HDGE) says.

 

The data supports these assertions. A study by Ned Davis Research found that dividend stocks have experienced the highest returns relative to other stocks since 1973 while exhibiting significantly lower volatility.

 

Between 1973 and 2021, dividend growers and those that initiated new dividends produced an average annual return of 10.7% and a standard deviation of 16.0%. Over this same period, the S&P 500 generated an average 8.2% annual return and a 17.5% standard deviation. The average annual return for non-dividend stocks was even lower, while the standard deviation was higher.

 

 

Despite a U.S. economy that is hindered by supply-chain challenges, worker shortages and rising prices, some companies are prospering in the current environment and showcasing their strength by initiating dividends.

 

Here, we take a closer look at 12 new dividend stocks. Not every pick is necessarily a recommendation, but this list of recent dividend initiators may certainly be a good starting point for further research. 

Continue reading …

 

Dividend Increases Week 18

 

In this article, I will go through the weekly dividend increases and cuts in popular and well-known stocks. (Member of The Dividend Champions or Canadian All-Star list) 

 

Recently, 20 companies announced dividend increases. Note that no dividend cuts or suspensions were announced during this period.

Notable Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades for Week of May 2 2022

 

Upgrades 

 

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG) was upgraded by research analysts at Raymond James from an “outperform” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday, The Fly reports. 

Other equities analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. UBS Group started coverage on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a report on Monday, April 18th. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $192.00 target price for the company. William Blair reiterated an “outperform” rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research report on Thursday, January 27th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $193.00 to $209.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 12th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $170.00 to $160.00 in a research report on Friday, January 28th. Finally, Zacks Investment Research upgraded Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating and set a $191.00 price target on the stock in a report on Friday, March 25th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. currently has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $173.59. Read more ... 

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of SJW Group (NYSE:SJW) from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a report published on Monday morning, The Fly reports. The firm currently has $67.00 price objective on the utilities provider’s stock. 

A number of other equities research analysts have also recently commented on the company. StockNews.com initiated coverage on SJW Group in a report on Thursday, March 31st. They set a hold rating on the stock. Barclays increased their target price on SJW Group from $70.00 to $73.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, March 15th. Zacks Investment Research cut SJW Group from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, March 30th. Finally, Seaport Res Ptn upgraded SJW Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 25th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $72.50. Read more ... 

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) was upgraded by investment analysts at Oppenheimer from a “market perform” rating to an “outperform” rating in a report released on Tuesday, The Fly reports. 

A number of other research analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. Zacks Investment Research upgraded shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $147.00 price target on the stock in a report on Monday, March 21st. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $170.00 to $161.00 and set an “underweight” rating for the company in a research report on Monday, March 28th. Barclays set a $200.00 price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Wednesday, April 6th. Argus decreased their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $177.00 to $155.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 14th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $166.00 to $157.00 and set a “market perform” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, January 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $163.72. Read more ... 

 

 

Linde (NYSE:LIN) was upgraded by equities researchers at AlphaValue to a "reduce" rating in a report issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports. 

Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on shares of Linde from $405.00 to $365.00 and set an "outperform" rating on the stock in a report on Monday, February 14th. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of Linde from $381.00 to $400.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 11th. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on shares of Linde in a research note on Wednesday, March 30th. They set a "buy" rating and a $390.00 price objective on the stock. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Linde from $330.00 to $365.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 11th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a "buy" rating and set a $352.00 price objective on shares of Linde in a research note on Friday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus target price of $360.47. Read more ... 

 

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) was upgraded by Oppenheimer from a “market perform” rating to an “outperform” rating in a research report issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports. 

MS has been the subject of a number of other research reports. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of Morgan Stanley from $119.00 to $125.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 4th. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of Morgan Stanley from $110.00 to $113.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Monday, April 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $105.00 price target on shares of Morgan Stanley in a research note on Wednesday, April 20th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on shares of Morgan Stanley from $104.00 to $94.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 4th. Finally, Zacks Investment Research cut shares of Morgan Stanley from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $91.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, March 16th. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $106.71. Read more ... 

 

Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) was upgraded by investment analysts at Evercore ISI from an “in-line” rating to an “outperform” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, The Fly reports. The brokerage presently has a $95.00 target price on the coffee company’s stock. Evercore ISI’s target price would indicate a potential upside of 22.61% from the company’s previous close. 

SBUX has been the subject of several other reports. UBS Group lowered their price objective on Starbucks from $105.00 to $86.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 25th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Starbucks from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $112.00 to $106.00 in a research note on Wednesday, February 2nd. Citigroup cut Starbucks from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $120.00 to $91.00 in a research note on Monday, April 11th. MKM Partners cut their price target on Starbucks from $115.00 to $105.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 20th. Finally, Robert W. Baird cut their price target on Starbucks from $95.00 to $85.00 in a research note on Monday, April 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $102.46. Read more ... 

 

 

Scotts Miracle-Gro (NYSE:SMG) was upgraded by research analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating in a report released on Wednesday, The Fly reports. The analysts noted that the move was a valuation call. 

Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Barclays downgraded Scotts Miracle-Gro from an “overweight” rating to an “equal weight” rating and lowered their target price for the company from $150.00 to $110.00 in a report on Thursday, April 21st. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Scotts Miracle-Gro from $170.00 to $160.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, March 17th. Truist Financial reduced their price target on Scotts Miracle-Gro from $225.00 to $185.00 in a research report on Tuesday, March 22nd. Zacks Investment Research upgraded Scotts Miracle-Gro from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $123.00 price target for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 12th. Finally, Raymond James reduced their price target on Scotts Miracle-Gro from $185.00 to $150.00 and set a “strong-buy” rating for the company in a research report on Monday, March 14th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $180.89. Read more ... 

 

 

Downgrades 

 

KeyCorp (NYSE:KEY) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Piper Sandler from a “neutral” rating to an “underweight” rating in a research report issued on Monday, MarketBeat reports. They presently have a $20.50 price objective on the financial services provider’s stock, down from their previous price objective of $23.00. Piper Sandler’s price objective would suggest a potential upside of 4.01% from the company’s previous close. 

A number of other research firms have also recently issued reports on KEY. Odeon Capital Group cut KeyCorp from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, April 26th. Citigroup reiterated a “neutral” rating on shares of KeyCorp in a report on Thursday, March 24th. Jefferies Financial Group cut KeyCorp from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, April 11th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on KeyCorp from $30.00 to $27.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a report on Monday, March 28th. Finally, Barclays upped their price objective on KeyCorp from $24.00 to $26.00 in a report on Monday, January 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $26.83. Read more ... 

  

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) was downgraded by research analysts at Oppenheimer to an “outperform” rating in a report released on Tuesday. They currently have a $285.00 target price on the medical research company’s stock. Oppenheimer’s target price would indicate a potential upside of 20.71% from the stock’s previous close. Oppenheimer also issued estimates for Amgen’s FY2022 earnings at $17.12 EPS, FY2023 earnings at $18.92 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $21.17 EPS, FY2025 earnings at $23.40 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $25.84 EPS. 

Several other research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of Amgen from $266.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 9th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Amgen from $210.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 9th. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Amgen from $233.00 to $236.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 12th. TheStreet lowered shares of Amgen from a “b+” rating to a “c+” rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 27th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Amgen from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $240.00. Read more ... 

 

 

Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSE:AQN) was downgraded by investment analysts at National Bank Financial from an "outperfrom under weight" rating to a "sector perform under weight" rating in a report issued on Tuesday. National Bank Financial also issued estimates for Algonquin Power & Utilities' Q1 2022 earnings at $0.27 EPS, Q4 2022 earnings at $0.26 EPS and FY2023 earnings at $0.95 EPS. 

AQN has been the subject of a number of other reports. Royal Bank of Canada restated an "outperform" rating and issued a C$18.00 target price on shares of Algonquin Power & Utilities in a research note on Tuesday, January 4th. National Bankshares downgraded Algonquin Power & Utilities to a "hold" rating in a research report on Wednesday. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and an average price target of C$20.00. Read more ... 

 

Atlantic Securities downgraded shares of Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL) from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a report published on Tuesday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has $80.00 price objective on the stock, down from their prior price objective of $92.00. 

A number of other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on CL. TheStreet upgraded shares of Colgate-Palmolive from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research note on Friday, April 29th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Colgate-Palmolive from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 13th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price target on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $90.00 to $88.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $86.00 to $81.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, March 30th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $78.00 to $76.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 31st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $85.56. Read more ... 

  

Consolidated Edison (NYSE:ED) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from an "equal weight" rating to a "sell" rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, MarketBeat.com reports. They presently have a $94.00 price objective on the utilities provider's stock, up from their previous price objective of $85.00. Wells Fargo & Company's price objective would indicate a potential upside of 2.16% from the stock's previous close. 

Several other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. Guggenheim downgraded shares of Consolidated Edison from a "neutral" rating to a "sell" rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $77.00 to $71.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 20th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Consolidated Edison from $75.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock an "underweight" rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 20th. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Consolidated Edison from an "underperform" rating to a "peer perform" rating and set a $82.00 price target for the company in a research report on Thursday, February 17th. KeyCorp lifted their price target on shares of Consolidated Edison from $71.00 to $72.00 and gave the company an "underweight" rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 20th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on shares of Consolidated Edison from $65.00 to $83.00 and gave the company a "sell" rating in a research report on Thursday, March 31st. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $82.83. Read more ... 

 

 

Kellogg (NYSE:K) was downgraded by research analysts at Piper Sandler from a "neutral" rating to an "underweight" rating in a report issued on Tuesday, Briefing.com reports. They currently have a $62.00 target price on the stock, down from their prior target price of $66.00. Piper Sandler's price target suggests a potential downside of 7.97% from the company's current price. 

Several other research firms have also issued reports on K. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Kellogg in a research note on Thursday, March 31st. They set a "hold" rating on the stock. BMO Capital Markets lowered shares of Kellogg from an "outperform" rating to a "market perform" rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $75.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Monday, January 31st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded shares of Kellogg from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating and cut their target price for the stock from $74.00 to $73.00 in a research note on Monday, April 25th. Bank of America downgraded shares of Kellogg from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $76.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 5th. Finally, UBS Group assumed coverage on Kellogg in a research report on Wednesday, March 30th. They set a "buy" rating and a $73.00 price objective on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $66.80. Read more ... 

 

Piper Sandler cut shares of Tyson Foods (NYSE:TSN) from a neutral rating to an underweight rating in a research note published on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. They currently have $81.00 price target on the stock, down from their previous price target of $87.00. 

TSN has been the topic of a number of other reports. Stephens boosted their target price on Tyson Foods from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Tyson Foods from $88.00 to $91.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 8th. Barclays downgraded Tyson Foods from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and boosted their target price for the company from $95.00 to $100.00 in a research note on Monday, February 14th. StockNews.com upgraded Tyson Foods from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, April 15th. Finally, Zacks Investment Research downgraded Tyson Foods from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $98.00 target price on the stock. in a research note on Monday, April 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Tyson Foods presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $97.33. Read more ... 

 

Leggett & Platt (NYSE:LEG) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Raymond James from an "outperform" rating to a "market perform" rating in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, Briefing.com reports. 

Several other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on LEG. StockNews.com raised Leggett & Platt from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Tuesday. Piper Sandler decreased their price target on shares of Leggett & Platt from $43.00 to $38.00 and set a "neutral" rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 7th. Finally, TheStreet cut shares of Leggett & Platt from a "b-" rating to a "c+" rating in a report on Friday, March 11th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat, Leggett & Platt presently has an average rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $46.00. 

Shares of Leggett & Platt stock opened at $38.34 on Wednesday. The company's 50-day moving average price is $36.35 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $39.77. The stock has a market cap of $5.13 billion, a PE ratio of 12.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a current ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09. Leggett & Platt has a 52 week low of $33.80 and a 52 week high of $59.16. Read more ... 

 

 

AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) was downgraded by investment analysts at Daiwa Capital Markets from an "outperform" rating to a "neutral" rating in a report released on Friday, The Fly reports. 

ABBV has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of AbbVie from $165.00 to $200.00 in a research report on Monday. Bank of America lifted their price objective on shares of AbbVie from $135.00 to $138.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a research report on Thursday, February 3rd. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of AbbVie from $161.00 to $174.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research report on Monday, April 25th. Mizuho lifted their target price on shares of AbbVie from $154.00 to $166.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a report on Friday, February 4th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of AbbVie from $165.00 to $180.00 in a report on Thursday, February 3rd. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $160.07. Read more ... 

 

Black Hills (NYSE:BKH - Get Rating) was downgraded by equities researchers at Mizuho from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating in a research note issued on Friday, The Fly reports. 

Separately, StockNews.com lowered Black Hills from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $75.00. 

BKH stock opened at $75.34 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.43. Black Hills has a 12-month low of $61.95 and a 12-month high of $80.95. The stock has a market cap of $4.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.69, a PEG ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 0.48. The business's 50-day moving average is $74.71 and its 200 day moving average is $69.82. Read more ...